The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) has officially introduced its 2026 Emerging Executives Committee (CEEC), an initiative poised to cultivate the next generation of leadership within the Hollywood landscape. This program, generously supported by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) and the Robert & Lien Chen Family Foundation, is dedicated to advancing professionals of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent from assistant and coordinator roles into executive positions. The CEEC aims to provide crucial mentorship, community, and access, addressing a significant need for diverse representation in decision-making roles across the entertainment sector.

Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF, expressed his organization's commitment to nurturing AAPI creative talent. He highlighted TAAF's ongoing dedication since 2021 to empowering individuals at various career junctures and underscored the enhanced partnership with CAPE as a strategic investment in the future of AAPI executives in Hollywood. Chen emphasized that the CAPE Emerging Executives Committee is vital for ensuring that future industry leaders, who will narrate the rich and intricate stories of the community, receive the essential guidance and encouragement necessary for their professional progression.

Returning to guide the six-month program are co-chairs Sam Campos, Vice President of Drama Development at CBS Studios; Duane Luu, Director of Drama Development at NBCUniversal; and Mohan Mandali, Head of Development at JusticeRx. All three previously participated in the distinguished CAPE Leaders Fellowship, an accelerator designed for senior creative executives on the rise. Their continued involvement ensures a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the program's objectives.

Mandali, speaking on behalf of the co-chairs, articulated the core philosophy behind CEEC. He emphasized that the program is fundamentally about forging a supportive community, one that many current executives wished they had access to earlier in their professional journeys. This community is built on principles of accessibility, collaborative efforts, and structured mentorship. As the program embarks on its third year, Mandali conveyed immense pride in the achievements of the committee thus far, noting that several alumni have already ascended to executive ranks within the entertainment industry, validating the program's profound impact.

The 2026 Emerging Executives Committee comprises a talented group of individuals poised to make significant contributions to the industry. Andrea Wang, a Drama Development Assistant at CBS Network, brings a passion for championing diverse voices, honed through her experiences at the Newport Beach Film Festival, CBS Network, and Fox Entertainment Network. Aurellia Himawan, Executive Assistant to the SVP, Head of TV and Film at Blue Marble Pictures, previously worked at Searchlight Pictures and co-founded Color Wheel, an ERG focused on inclusion. Her Chinese-Indonesian heritage influences her appreciation for inventive and culturally resonant stories. Helen Hejran, an Executive Assistant in Development at FX Networks, previously served as a coordinator at Universal Content Productions. As a Taiwanese-Iranian American, she combines a background in biology with a master's in entertainment industry management. Quinn Hanschen, Executive Assistant for Television at Lord Miller, began her career at Disney and later worked at ABC/Hulu Comedy. Adopted from China, her Film Studies degree from UC Berkeley and her personal interests reflect a broad perspective. Sam Liu, Executive Assistant to a Partner for Film & TV at Barnstorm, supported projects like “Backrooms” and “Stranger Things 5” at 21 Laps, starting her career at UTA. Her Princeton English degree focused on Asian American Literature. Raylene Factora, Assistant to the SVP of Development at Fuzzy Door, supports creative development across film and TV. A proud daughter of Filipino immigrants, she is committed to promoting media that inspires and represents all people, having gained experience at NBCUniversal and through their Page Program.

The establishment of the CAPE Emerging Executives Committee for 2026 signifies a concerted effort to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented talent in Hollywood. Through strategic partnerships, dedicated mentorship, and a robust support system, this initiative is actively shaping a more inclusive and representative entertainment landscape. The collective expertise and diverse perspectives of the newly appointed committee members underscore the program's potential to drive meaningful change and ensure that varied narratives and experiences are brought to the forefront of global media.